# shame

/ˈʃeɪm/ (US) · /ʃˈeɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shame
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. feeling of guilt

noun · CEFR B1

a painful feeling of guilt or embarrassment because you have done something wrong or silly.

For teachers: an uncomfortable or painful emotion resulting from the awareness of one's own impropriety, dishonour, or failure to meet social standards.

- He felt a deep sense of shame after lying to his best friend.
- The public apology was intended to alleviate the shame he felt after his professional misconduct was exposed in the national press.

### 2. a disappointment

noun · CEFR A2

a situation that is disappointing or a pity.

For teachers: a regrettable or unfortunate situation; often used in the construction 'it is a shame that'.

- It is a shame that you cannot come to the party tonight.
- It is a great shame that the historic theatre was demolished to make way for a modern office block.

Usage: Commonly used with 'it is a...' or 'what a...'.

### 3. loss of respect

noun · CEFR B2

a loss of respect from other people because of bad behaviour.

For teachers: the state of being dishonoured or disgraced in the eyes of others.

- His actions brought shame on his entire family.
- The scandal brought lasting shame upon the institution, leading to the resignation of several high-ranking board members.

### 4. to make someone feel bad

verb · CEFR B2

to make someone feel ashamed or to criticize them publicly.

For teachers: to cause someone to feel shame or to bring disgrace upon them through public criticism or superior performance.

- The teacher did not want to shame the student in front of the class.
- The activist group sought to shame the corporation into changing its environmental policies by publishing a list of its violations.

Usage: Transitive verb taking a direct object.

## Examples

- He felt a deep sense of shame after lying to his friend.
- It is a real shame that the local library had to close due to a lack of funding.
- The protagonist's internal conflict is driven by the crushing weight of inherited shame, which prevents him from seeking the redemption he clearly deserves.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.